FUNCTION: [Summary is not available for the mouse gene. This summary is for the human ortholog.] This gene encodes lipase A, the lysosomal acid lipase (also known as cholesterol ester hydrolase). This enzyme functions in the lysosome to catalyze the hydrolysis of cholesteryl esters and triglycerides. Mutations in this gene can result in Wolman disease and cholesteryl ester storage disease. Alternatively spliced transcript variants have been found for this gene. [provided by RefSeq, Jan 2014] PHENOTYPE: Homozygous null mice show massive accumulation of triglycerides and cholesteryl esters in several organs, depletion of white and brown fat, hepatosplenomegaly, increased energy intake and plasma free fatty acid levels, insulin resistance, lung inflammation, alveolar destruction and premature death. [provided by MGI curators]